Gadfly petrels (Pterodroma spp.) are one of the most threatened and poorly studied seabird groups, and as marine predators, are exposed to biomagnified and bioaccumulated chemical pollutants from their prey.We quantified trace element concentrations in breast feathers of seven petrel species that breed in the southern hemisphere to quantify current concentrations. Selenium (Se) concentrations were significantly lower in chicks than adults; this was not observed for zinc (Zn) or lead (Pb). Overall, the species examined here exhibited similar concentrations of Se, with Pb and Zn concentrations more variable among species. The mean Se concentration in adult birds exceeded those thought to be potentially deleterious, and three species had concentrations that were above the assumed threshold for Pb toxicity. Further investigation of potentially toxic trace elements in gadfly petrels is warranted.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	seabird, remote island, trace elements, heavy metals, indicator species, feathers, lead, petrels, Procellariiformes, selenium, zinc
Research Division:	Biological Sciences
Research Group:	Ecology
Research Field:	Marine and Estuarine Ecology (incl. Marine Ichthyology)
Objective Division:	Environment
Objective Group:	Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
Objective Field:	Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Flora, Fauna and Biodiversity
UTAS Author:	Philpot, SM (Ms Susan Philpot)
UTAS Author:	Lavers, JL (Dr Jennifer Lavers)
UTAS Author:	Bond, AL (Dr Alexander Bond)
ID Code:	130743
Year Published:	2019
Deposited By:	Ecology and Biodiversity
Deposited On:	2019-02-09
Last Modified:	2020-01-06
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